Newspaper Removes Gun Data From Website

'Journal News' move comes after new state law improves gun owners' privacy

(Newser)
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The New York state newspaper that enraged critics by making public the names and addresses of gun owners has pulled the information off its website. The Journal News says it's not because of the criticism or threats against staffers, but in part because of a state law that passed earlier this week giving gun owners more ways to opt out of the public record. "While the new law does not require us to remove the data, we believe that doing so complies with its spirit," publisher Janet Hasson tells AP.

In a letter to readers, Hasson adds that the database had been up for about a month, enough time for those who wanted to see it to do so, and would eventually become outdated anyway. Not that critics weren't gloating. "Thank God the Journal News has finally realized the error in their judgment and done the right thing," says state Sen. Greg Ball.

If the newspaper wants to do investigative reporting, they should also post crime statistics in the new york city area by regions based on % registerd gun owners........when 911 cant get there in time.

gssusarr

Jan 19, 2013 11:18 AM CST

I wonder if police have done away with their magazines being full -- they are only supposed to carry 7 rounds. (I'm sure the criminals have complied.). With the Governor shoving this bill down people's throats, the "brilliant" NYS legislators (most being attorneys) did not notice that police were not exempted from the magazine capacity requirements.
"Disfunctional" -- and dumb too? You better believe it!!!

Riffran

Jan 19, 2013 11:07 AM CST

I smell some BS. They are doing PR damage control, because they pulled a STUPID!. I hope the guy who had his home broken into sues the hell out of those idiots.

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